Major Works Begin at Kelsey Park as £2.5m Bridge Replacement Raises Eyebrows

Kelsey Park is gearing up for significant changes as desilting works prepare to commence this November. But even before the mud is cleared, a flurry of surveys is already underway, not just for the lake but for the much-debated bridge replacement project too.

As part of the preparation, visitors and locals passionate about Beckenham’s beloved park are invited to attend a special drop-in briefing session on Wednesday, 9th October, from 5 PM to 7:30 PM at Beckenham Public Hall. This session, hosted by the Kelsey Park project team, will offer an exclusive chance to hear the latest details and ask questions directly.

Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment, confirmed the start of the desilting works, a critical step to preserve Kelsey Park’s scenic lakes. But the highlight of his announcement was the staggering £2.5 million budget, earmarked for both the desilting and the upcoming bridge replacement.

“This investment ensures the future of Kelsey Park, but it hasn’t come without tough financial decisions,” Rowlands admitted.

Ongoing ecology, arboriculture, and condition surveys are currently taking place across the park, all in preparation for this ambitious project. The work will be handled by Land and Water Limited, a contractor specializing in such environmental projects.

As for the desilting, it will be executed in a phased approach to maintain the park’s wildlife habitats. Starting at the Silt Trap, then progressing to the Upper Lake, and eventually the Lower Lake, water levels will be carefully managed to ensure the safety of the park’s beloved wildfowl. Despite the scale of the work, the team aims to have the project wrapped up by June 2025.

Meanwhile, the bridge replacement – awarded to B&M McHugh Ltd. – is already in its initial stages. Although designs are still being fine-tuned, work is set to begin in 2025, with hopes that the new bridge will be ready to debut by Autumn 2025.

While the investment promises long-term benefits, the price tag has sparked some debate within the community. What exactly does £2.5 million buy, and are there hidden costs yet to be uncovered? Visitors to the park will soon find out.